The U.S. isn’t known for our historical castles — maybe because we don’t have any. Perhaps the closest we’ve got to offer is Oheka Castle on Long Island, NY, which was built as a private residence in the early 1900s. I spent a few days there at a company meeting and thought it was so beautiful that I snapped a few photos while I was supposed to be focusing on my upcoming presentation. Since we all know I have an enormous public speaking phobia, it wasn’t a rough decision to play hooky — at least for a few minutes!

Speaking of weddings, last month I had the absolute pleasure of attending the “I dos” of friend Andi of My Beautiful Adventures and her Argentinian husband, Lucas, in Buenos Aires. These world travelers posed for their engagement photos in the city’s famous La Boca barrio. I tried not to get in photographer Kirsten Alana‘s way, but I did snap some B roll footage of the happy couple. Two local kids ran after Andi, giggling, and tons of tourists stopped to watch the shoot. It really did feel like we were with an A-list star!

There are vacations — and then there are special events at special places with your closest friends. Yes, I’m talking about a Maui wedding! In my case, that of my oldest and best friend, Alicia. Isn’t she the most beautiful bride? I’ve known her since since sixth grade, so I had a great time with her mom and younger siblings, who I’ve known since they were knee-high. Plus, my closest group of friends I’ve known for half my lifetime… Alicia is one of my most creative friends and had been working hard for a year during endless trips to Hawaii to create the most romantic Maui wedding with a touch of magic and fantasy. She dreamt up a tropical Alice and Wonderland theme with a fashionista bride as the star.